The number of Americans affected by Alzheimer’s disease is on the rise, especially as Baby Boomers reach the age of 65. However, the lack of effective drug therapies and limited screening for cognitive decline have hindered a response to this public health crisis. Recently approved FDA drugs offer promising treatment options for Alzheimer’s, but they need to be administered during the early stages of the disease. Currently, many patients are not diagnosed until they are in the moderate or severe stages. To address this, there is a need for routine cognitive screening processes in health systems so that those who could benefit from medication can receive early diagnosis and treatment.
One way to improve the situation is by briefing care teams about the latest technology and therapeutic interventions. Digital innovations have revolutionized cognitive assessments by reducing testing time, minimizing bias, and making it easier to administer. Incorporating these low-cost, non-invasive screening methods into the patient’s annual wellness visit can streamline the diagnosis process and help more patients receive timely treatment.
In addition to drug therapies, studies have shown that certain lifestyle behaviors such as diet, sleep, exercise, stress management, social engagement, and intellectual activity can protect against Alzheimer’s and dementia. Providers can inform patients about these modifiable risk factors and encourage them to make changes that can improve their cognitive health.
Increasing awareness about the importance of early screening and the availability of new therapies is crucial. Many patients are unaware of their risk factors or the benefits of early detection. PCPs can make a difference by engaging in conversations with their patients and addressing their concerns. By increasing therapeutic and screening awareness, providers can offer preemptive action and support to their patients.
Lastly, health systems need to offer standardized, population-scale screening. In the past, our healthcare system lacked the tools for such screenings, and primary care providers often did not offer them unless prompted by patients or their families. However, emerging digital cognitive screening technology has the potential to change this. Implementing regular screenings for all patients aged 65 and above can remove the stigma and make it a routine part of healthcare visits.
Following screening, providers can determine the next steps, such as further evaluation for low-scoring individuals or providing guidance for reducing risk factors for normal-scoring patients. Routine screening can also help identify the true prevalence of dementia in a population and allocate resources accordingly.
Health systems play a crucial role in addressing the Alzheimer’s crisis. Primary care providers, in particular, have the potential to make a significant impact on cognitive disease treatment. With the introduction of life-extending medications, health systems have a responsibility to implement changes in how they screen and engage with older adults. Early detection can improve the lives of millions by enabling timely treatment and promoting good cognitive health for a longer duration.
